Hampton Artist - Linda Bishop

November 16, 1989

Linda Bishop's talent to design and create her own arts and crafts caused the Poquoson Art League to name her Artist of the Month this summer.

A Hampton resident, Bishop has created specially designed Christmas ornaments, wreaths, quilts, old-fashioned Williamsburg kissing balls and many other items which she puts on display during arts and crafts shows around the Hampton Roads.

"I draw the original design for everything I make," says the mother of two. "When I make a wreath, I pick the gravevine and twine it, using the old-fashioned way of weaving.

"I designed a quilt for the Seafood Festival which had a boat in the center and fish around the border. I dearly love to make my own things. In fact, I have about 25 different projects under way right this moment and I have a notebook full of ideas I'd like to get started on."

Bishop has always loved artwork. She earned extra money during her college days by sketching portraits of classmates and friends.

"I know that in many instances both parents have jobs outside the home, but I'd prefer to stay home with my children," she says. "Besides, it is kind of nice to be a housewife and being home with the dinner on the table when my husband gets home.

Her husband, Billy Bishop, is very supportive of her arts and crafts skills and helps her with shows, she says.

She believes her talents were inherited from her parents and grandparents. "My father was a good artist and my mother and grandmother were good seamstresses," Bishop says.

Her dream to open her own shop may become a reality as soon as her children, 5-year-old daughter Cassie and 4-year-old son Jesse start school.

Bishop and her husband moved to South Carolina after their marriage seven years ago. They returned to the Peninsula earlier this year.